6.45pm yesterday found me doing a wonder woman style change from dirty jeans to presentable dress, bit of make-up and a welcoming smile. Yes, I was running late for my herb talk at nearby WRI (Woman's Rural Institute) meeting. Luckily the event was being held just down the road, so I was able to fall through the doors armed with my trug full of herbs and Idgy clutching a basket of Dream Acres goodies, almost (but not quite) before the ladies themselves filed in. It was a really good evening. I was there to give my usual herb talk, what herbs to grow, their uses, where to put them, all the usual stuff that I take for granted but others love to hear. I have to admit I am a bit of a talk junkie, when I get into my stride there is just no stopping me. I am always worried that I'll come over as a bit of a nutter as I do get a tad over enthusiastic about my pet projects and favourite herbs.I took a trug full of herbs with me, luckily it wasn't raining yesterday so I could pick a good selection. I'd labeled them all with tags and put them in my old garden trug. It looked lovely and made an ideal prop for the talk. I just picked up each bunch and chatted on about how to use it and a bit of history etc. All the herbs looked suitably lovely and behaved impeccably, that is until we came to my old favourite Lovage. I'm afraid my lovely lovage was a bit of a let down. It suffered badly from droop, dropsy and downright lethargy. While all the other herbs looked bright and pretty, good old lovage looked less than lovely and flopped from my hand in the manner of a wet flannel. A good workman never blames his tools, hmmmmm who ever said I was a good workman, of course I blamed the lovage for its poor performance and lack of interest. Nothing can make you feel more foolish than standing in front of a room full of strangers with a limp herb in your hand while trying to hold forth on just how useful and fabulous it it. Meanwhile said herb is doing its damnedest to look as weedy as possible and about as useful as a chocolate fireguard.
Lovage aside, people seemed to enjoy the talk and came up to chat to me afterwords. It was tea and cake (lovely homemade cakes, not shop bought as above, but I didn't take my camera with me so you will have to make do) all the way and so nice to meet all these ladies who really cared about their community and each other. The WRI isn't as busy as it once was, it is dropping in membership. This seems such a pity as it really is a group that is a force for the good. Okay, so I kept expecting Jennifer Saunders and Dawn French to come bumbling in at any moment a la 'Jam and Jerusalem' but the goodness and fellowship was all there just as it should be. Some may find it twee and old fashioned, I didn't, I found it heartening and refreshing and just what is needed in this day and age.So there you have it, my monday night, a change from my usual sewing in front of Easterners, I thoroughly enjoyed it. What did you do?Karon x
You sound tempted to join!!
Sue xx
I bet they loved you Karon. I know all audiences adore enthusiasm. The wimpy lovage must have good for a giggle or two.
That meeting sounds so lovely and very informative. I wish they had more things like that where I live. I, too, think more of these things are needed in this day and age where everyone is always on the fast track. We need to all take time to slow down and enjoy what is around us. After getting dinner ready for myself and my husband, I spent a nice evening reading my favorite magazines! So nice!
Patti xx